One Day, My Fiancé Brought His First Love Along - Chapter 51

“You’ve gone too far, Your Majesty.”

The Marquess of Hessiden muttered under his breath, just quietly enough for no one to hear. A cruel smile played at his lips. He raised his right hand and casually covered his mouth as he let out a twisted chuckle.

If only the Emperor hadn’t provoked him, the Empire wouldn’t have found itself facing a monster threat.

This was the inaugural year of a grand tournament personally planned and hosted by the Emperor. And now, not only had monsters appeared out of nowhere, but some of the very knights meant to star in the spectacle had been pulled from the event?

It was the perfect scandal to tarnish Edys’s reputation.
The inconvenience was worth it. After all, it wasn’t northern barbarians they’d unleashed—just a few easily controlled magical beasts. The cost-benefit balanced out quite nicely.

Unaware of the vile thoughts lurking behind Hessiden’s composed exterior, Edys stood before the masses and began the opening address for the historic swordsmanship tournament.

“I warmly welcome all citizens of the Diert Empire gathered here today. On this very day, we take the first step toward a glorious chapter in our history—one that will be remembered with pride.”

With the sun shining behind him, Edys looked every inch a monarch blessed by the gods. Radiant and resolute, he carried the presence of someone chosen.

A quiet yet firm authority filled his voice as he continued.

“There is something I must tell you all.”

A subtle shift swept through the crowd—those sensitive to the air began murmuring, sensing something more behind the Emperor’s words.

“A small number of magical beasts have descended from the north into nearby villages. But rest assured, the Diert Empire is always prepared for the unexpected. There is nothing for you to fear.”

Edys’s commanding gaze slowly swept over the crowd.

Some citizens, always quick with news, would have already heard whispers—about how monsters, which should have remained hidden deep in the mountains, had suddenly emerged and attacked remote settlements.

“The beasts in question are of a very low classification and have already been identified as easy to subdue.”

Rather than hide the incident, Edys deliberately brought it into the open, as if daring anyone to make something of it.

It was a calculated risk. Though it might stir unease, the bold transparency and casual dismissal of the threat were intended to reaffirm the Empire’s dominance.

In an ordinary kingdom, the tactic might not have worked. But this was the Diert Empire.

Among a people filled with pride and unwavering loyalty, the Emperor’s words served only to stoke their national pride.

Rather than panic over the monster threat, attention turned toward the strength of the Empire itself.

“Even so, I—who wish for every last citizen of the Empire to see another tomorrow—cannot allow even the smallest misstep to become a tragedy. Therefore, some knights originally scheduled to compete in the tournament have been reassigned to protect our people.”

The murmuring swelled again.

“But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean the tournament will be any less entertaining.”

Suddenly, Edys allowed the severity in his expression to relax, a hint of mischief tugging at his lips.

“This first Imperial Knight Tournament, and the safety of our citizens—we shall have both. I hope you will enjoy watching the glory of Diert’s finest knights unfold before your eyes. That is all.”

It was a speech both long and short, depending on how one heard it.

With his message delivered, Edys returned to his throne. On either side of him, Duke Revart and the Marquess of Hessiden sat in dignified silence.

“The Imperial Knights’ parade will now commence!”

The parade began.
Clad in sharp black, blue, and red uniforms tailored to their broad shoulders, the knights of the Sel, Khan, and Lil Orders entered the grounds in perfect formation, each led by a banner fluttering proudly at the front.

Thunderous cheers erupted from all sides, echoing with joy. Drums pounded so heavily they seemed to shake the earth, making the crowd’s hearts tremble with every beat.

“Amazing.”

“I’ve never seen the crowd this excited before.”

Among the knights, all eyes widened in awe. Just then, soft white petals began to fall like snow, carried by the breeze.

It was breathtaking.

The overwhelming energy, rising like a flame, ignited the long-dormant pride buried in every knight’s chest. The perfectly aligned lines of warriors stood like steel under that invisible heat.

The uniforms were striking—but none stood out more than Carlisle.

He seemed even leaner than before, his jawline and nose sharper, his features clean-cut and refined. His hair, neatly parted, was the deep color of midnight, and his piercing blue eyes shimmered like the sea under moonlight.

As the formation turned in sync with the drumbeat, Carlisle appeared in Aileen’s line of sight—then disappeared—then appeared again, just behind the captain and vice-captain.

She glanced at him briefly, then quickly turned her gaze forward again.

“All knights participating in the tournament from tomorrow onward, step forward.”

Once the parade ended flawlessly, Edys gave the next order.

One by one, Carlisle, Ashite, Aileen, Siran, and other elite knights stepped forward and stood before the Emperor.

Aileen’s light pink hair, tied in a high ponytail, fluttered in the wind like a banner. Her amethyst eyes gleamed with more life than ever.

Standing just two people away to her left, Carlisle caught sight of her.

Her profile, glimpsed for just a moment, shimmered like a teardrop in his vision.

He was relieved—because she didn’t look unhappy.

Ever since the annulment papers were submitted and rumors of Carlisle’s engagement to Judith began circulating among the social circles, Carlisle had been uneasy.

Was Aileen eating properly? Was she losing sleep at night?

He could only hope she had completely forgotten about him, that she wasn’t unhappy.

That would be a relief.

Because if she had looked the least bit miserable… he might not have been able to resist the overwhelming urges that tormented him hundreds of times a day—to kneel before her, to beg, to pull her into his arms, to kiss her.

Carlisle clenched his left arm tightly, even though it trembled despite the medication he’d taken.

Perhaps it was because Aileen overflowed with such radiant vitality, or maybe it was time to increase the dosage again—his heart kept pounding far too fiercely.

No, perhaps it started earlier—when he caught glimpses of Aileen during the parade, her expression solemn, her movements sharp and dignified. Each moment had imprinted itself on his mind.

Aileen, the woman he loved.
Aileen, who had achieved what she desired and stood proudly because of it.

Wasn’t this why he was enduring all of this now?

Carlisle swallowed countless words he could never allow himself to say to her, letting the Emperor’s speech wash over him.

“With that, the morning ceremony concludes. Those scheduled to attend tonight’s banquet—I’ll see you there.”

With a word of encouragement, Edys patted one of the nearby knights on the shoulder and took his leave.

As the Emperor exited, the nobles followed one by one, and the knights began dispersing to their respective training fields.

Compared to actual combat, preparation for national events demanded less physical exertion but far more precision in posture and form—it was grueling in its own way.

With the pressure lifted, knights collapsed like seaweed across the training ground floor.

“Aileen, will you be attending the banquet later?”

“Hmm. I don’t think I will… but I’m not entirely sure yet.”

“I think I’ll go. Who knows when I’ll ever get such a glorious opportunity again?”

Tanil, the second son of some little-known baron from the provinces, blushed slightly as he spoke.

Tonight’s banquet was meant to honor the knights of the Imperial Order. For a second son from a modest family, this might be the only moment he could draw attention on such a stage.

Aileen liked Tanil.
They’d trained together during the joint sessions and even shared some covert secrets—they’d quietly built a friendship.

She wanted to help.
Even if she didn’t have a sterling reputation among noble ladies in high society, she still bore the status of a knight from a respectable house. Standing beside her might lend him some strength.

“If you’re going, Sir Tanil, then I’ll give it serious thought. And if I do end up going… stay by my side, okay?”

“Of course! I’ll see you tonight, Aileen.”

Having confirmed her possible attendance, Tanil disappeared back into the crowd of fellow knights. Aileen watched him go, then let out a faint sigh of laughter and stepped outside the training grounds.

She had just closed the door and taken a few steps when a breeze scattered her tightly tied hair—and then, a familiar voice, one she hadn’t heard in some time, reached her ear.

“Aileen.”

“…Jeron.”

His hair was longer than the last time she saw him, some of it falling across his forehead. There were dark circles under his eyes, and his face looked thinner—enough to stir concern.

“Have you been well?”

Though his face was rough, his soft sky-blue eyes brimmed with emotion that flickered and faded again like waves.

“Well, yes… I’ve been doing all right. What about you, Jeron?”

“I’ve been… managing. Ah, I watched the parade. Among all the knights, you stood out the most, without a doubt.”

His face reddened slightly, like he was trying to hide his embarrassment. Aileen responded with a gentle smile.

“I don’t really have any particular reason for stopping you. I just… wanted to say you looked impressive out there.”

Jeron trailed off. Aileen gave him a slightly awkward smile.

She had thought, after not seeing him for a while, that perhaps he had let his feelings go. Apparently, that wasn’t the case.

But she couldn’t give him the answer he wanted.
So Aileen didn’t pretend warmth she didn’t feel.

“Thank you, Jeron. Then, if you’ll excuse me—”

She tried to end the conversation quickly, but Jeron suddenly called out again, reaching out to stop her.

“Aileen, wait.”

He hesitated. This wouldn’t end well for either of them if he kept pushing.

Aileen looked at him quietly, masking her discomfort. Jeron licked his dry lips and cautiously asked:

“Will you be attending the banquet tonight?”

Ah.
So this was it.

Like a bolt of lightning, the realization struck her.

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